Daily life in El Mercadito urbanization (La Plata): contributions to the rehabilitation of monofunctional low-density housing.

Abstract

Theories of everyday life have built an innovative approach to massive habitat developments. Intersectional analyses warn about the impact of monofunctional ones. These social housing complexes -grounded on the paradigm of extensive use of territory and low density- cause segregation, insecurity, social exclusion and, in general, degradation of the urban use for the most vulnerable groups. The aim of this work is to make visible these consequences through the questioning of the conditions of a housing complex as a qualifier of urban space. What elements are to be considered to ensure equal opportunities by means of the benefits provided by the nearby city?
In methodological terms, the proposal is to deal with El Mercadito neighborhood (La Plata). This urbanization embodies a particular housing construction operation (Slums and Settlements Urbanization Subprogram). For this case study, georeferenced thematic maps are devised to identify transport networks, relationship spaces and equipment. Supra-neighborhood, neighborhood and neighborhood scales are considered.
Some of the results seek to contribute -from a critical analysis- to the identification of strategies for the rehabilitation of low-density monofunctional complexes weighing their effects on the access to the enjoyment of positive urban externalities.